HotelDost’s 6-Step Playbook to Boost OTA Rankings

On platforms like MakeMyTrip, Agoda, or Booking.com, visibility is everything. With nearly 45% of hotel bookings happening online, your OTA ranking directly influences how many rooms you sell. Paid features can give you an edge, but they’re just one part of the game. At HotelDost, we’ve created a 6-step playbook that gives hoteliers a clear roadmap to grow organically – boosting rankings, increasing bookings, and turning OTA guests into repeat loyal customers.

Step 1. Content That Converts

Your OTA listing is your digital shopfront. Guests make decisions in seconds, so first impressions must click.

• High-Quality Photos: Upload at least 20 professional photos of rooms, lobby, dining, amenities, and local highlights. Make the first photo eye-catching.
• Complete Profiles: Fill out all details – policies, amenities, attractions. OTAs reward 100% completion.
• Smart Descriptions: Use unique hooks like “Festival-view balcony” instead of generic claims. Update seasonally.

Step 2. Make the Booking Process Easy

• Competitive Pricing: Keep OTA rates aligned with your direct website while offering small perks (e.g., free laundry).
• Attractive Packages: Create seasonal offers like late check-out for New Year or festival-day freshen up packages.
• Instant Confirmation: Guests prefer instant bookings, it builds trust.
• Balanced Cancellation: Offer a mix of flexible and non-refundable policies.

Step 3. Reputation Rules

• Service with Grace: Small gestures turn average stays into 5-star reviews.
• Encourage Reviews: Remind guests politely, or offer small souvenirs.
• Fresh is Better: Keep reviews coming regularly, OTAs value recent ones.
• Stay Responsive: Reply to all reviews within 24 hours.

Step 4. Keep Your Operations Clean

• Always Open: Load availability at least 12 months in advance.
• Show Variety: Offer different room types to attract more guests.
• Respond Fast: Faster replies improve OTA ranking.
• Manage Cancellations: Use prepaid/non-refundable offers smartly.

Step 5. Align With Demand

• Target Key Markets: Run promos for top feeder regions.
• Go Mobile-First: More than 50% of OTA bookings are on mobile — offer mobile-only discounts.
• Seasonal Relevance: Create offers tied to festivals and local events.

Step 6. Smart Marketing Hacks

• Test Thumbnails: Rotate lead photos and track which work best.
• Use Keywords: Add location-based hooks like “Near Lalbaugcha Raja.”
• Cross-Promote: Use deals on one OTA to create urgency across others.
• Build Loyalty: Encourage OTA guests to book direct next time.

Paid Features: The Booster Shot

• Preferred Status: Programs like MakeMyTrip Preferred give extra visibility but require optimized profiles.
• Sponsored Listings: Pay-per-click ads give seasonal boosts.
• Loyalty Programs: OTA loyalty schemes (MMT Black, AgodaCash) expose you to repeat travellers.

Closing Thoughts

Winning on OTAs is not about quick fixes – it’s about consistent discipline. Strong content, reviews, pricing, and seasonal offers all feed into the algorithm. Paid promotions are just a temporary boost, but organic visibility is long-lasting. At HotelDost, we believe the real goal is converting visibility into loyal repeat customers — that’s how you move from “just another listing” to a hotel guests remember and return to.